diff --git a/codex-rs/skills/src/assets/samples/plugin-creator/SKILL.md b/codex-rs/skills/src/assets/samples/plugin-creator/SKILL.md
index 3aa549cf42..6c275429f9 100644
--- a/codex-rs/skills/src/assets/samples/plugin-creator/SKILL.md
+++ b/codex-rs/skills/src/assets/samples/plugin-creator/SKILL.md
@@ -46,6 +46,9 @@ python3 .agents/skills/plugin-creator/scripts/create_basic_plugin.py my-plugin -
 
 `<parent-plugin-directory>` is the directory where the plugin folder `<plugin-name>` will be created (for example `~/code/plugins`).
 
+Creating a plugin directory does not make the plugin usable by Codex yet. Codex can use it only
+after it is sideloaded for local testing or installed through a marketplace workflow.
+
 ## What this skill creates
 
 - If the user has not made the plugin location explicit, ask whether they want a repo-local plugin or a home-local plugin before generating marketplace entries.
@@ -148,6 +151,8 @@ python3 .agents/skills/plugin-creator/scripts/create_basic_plugin.py my-plugin -
 
 - Outer folder name and `plugin.json` `"name"` are always the same normalized plugin name.
 - Do not remove required structure; keep `.codex-plugin/plugin.json` present.
+- Make clear that a newly scaffolded plugin is not usable until it is sideloaded or installed from
+  a marketplace.
 - Prefer completing manifest metadata during scaffold creation when the value is supported by
   explicit user input or strong local context.
 - If a metadata value is still unknown, ask the user before replacing its placeholder; do not
diff --git a/codex-rs/skills/src/assets/samples/sideload-plugin/SKILL.md b/codex-rs/skills/src/assets/samples/sideload-plugin/SKILL.md
index 8e4f56c737..3f867fe428 100644
--- a/codex-rs/skills/src/assets/samples/sideload-plugin/SKILL.md
+++ b/codex-rs/skills/src/assets/samples/sideload-plugin/SKILL.md
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ description: Install a local Codex plugin into the temporary local Codex plugin
 
 # Sideload Plugin
 
-Use this skill to copy a local plugin into Codex's local plugin cache so it can be tested in the current Codex installation.
+Use this skill to copy a local plugin into Codex's local plugin cache so it can be tested in the current Codex installation. A plugin directory by itself is not usable by Codex; it must be sideloaded like this or installed through a marketplace workflow first.
 
 This is a development workflow. The plugin cache is temporary runtime state under `$CODEX_HOME/plugins/cache` and can be overwritten, refreshed, deleted, or replaced by Codex at any time. Do not treat it as source storage, a publication mechanism, or a durable install location.